End of life

When we or someone close to us is dying, we want to know this can be done peacefully, comfortably and with dignity. Knowing your options, and where to go for help, can be the key to managing end of life care in a way that fits well with you and those closest to you.

Many people like to have a say as to what happens after their death. Planning gives them confidence that others know about their wishes, and helps make the process easier for grieving family/whānau. In this section you’ll find a range of services to ensure your end of life wishes are acted upon, such as Health Quality & Safety Commission’s free Advanced Care Planning template, expert elder lawyers that can assist with Wills and EPAs, and funeral services that can cater to individual needs and wishes.

For those dealing with a terminal illness, there are hospice and palliative care services nearby to provide the support you need. Hospice care offers support to individuals and their families during the end stages of a terminal illness, while palliative care focuses on managing pain and symptoms to improve quality of life.